Western Bay to retain First Past the Post voting system

Western Bay of Plenty District Council will continue using the First Past the Post (FPP) electoral system for the 2028 local election.

Councillors made the decision following consideration of the two electoral systems available to local authorities under the Local Electoral Act: First Past the Post and Single Transferable Voting (STV).

Under FPP, voters select their preferred candidates and those with the highest number of votes are elected. Western Bay has used this system for previous local elections.

Western Bay of Plenty Mayor James Denyer says for most residents, this means they'll continue voting using a system they're already familiar with.

"First Past the Post is straightforward and well understood by many voters. Councillors felt retaining the current system would provide clarity and certainty ahead of the 2028 election.

"Local elections play a vital role in shaping the future of our communities. While the voting system is only one part of the picture, it's important people feel confident participating in the democratic process."

Councils are required to review their voting system every six years and can choose between First Past the Post and Single Transferable Voting.

The decision comes as local government continues to navigate significant change through the Government's reform programme.

Council noted that the decision provides certainty under current arrangements while broader reform discussions continue. If a successful Head Start proposal results in the creation of a new local authority, representation arrangements, including the electoral system used for the 2028 election, would be determined through the detailed design phase of that new entity. However, if Council remains within the Government's Back Stop reform process, its decision to retain the First Past the Post electoral system would continue to apply for the 2028 election.

Under the Local Electoral Act, electors also have the right to demand a binding poll on the electoral system used for future local elections. To trigger a poll, a valid demand must be supported by at least five percent of enrolled electors.

What is First Past the Post (FPP)?

Under First Past the Post, voters select their preferred candidates and the candidates receiving the highest number of votes are elected.

What is Single Transferable Voting (STV)?

Under Single Transferable Voting, voters rank candidates in order of preference. Votes can be transferred between candidates as counting progresses until all positions are filled.